Donore Harriers own John Travers will be representing Ireland in the 1500m at the European Indoor Championships in Belgrade later today (3rd March 2017). The heats start at 6:15 p.m. and John will be in the 2nd heat at 6:24 p.m, which will be broadcast on RTE2, who have coverage starting from 6:00 p.m..

Before he set off for Belgrade, he took some time to answer a few quick questions…

1. If you could race over any distance, what would be the perfect race length for you?

Right now, I would probably say my perfect distance would be 3000m. Haven’t quite got it right over 5000 just yet!

2. Your coach often suggests athletes should “move up” – whats the longest distance you see yourself racing in your career?

I know for a fact I will eventually do marathons, not for a good few years yet. I ran a half a few years ago off just miles and ran quite well, so I have no doubts I will do a decent marathon.

3. Are you a home bird, do you prefer to live in Ireland?

No. I could literally live anywhere. It wouldn’t bother me at all.

4. Where is your favourite training venue abroad?

I would have to say Font Romeu which is at altitude in the south of France, it’s tough running but such a scenic place. I would love to live up there.

5. Did you consider taking up an athletic scholarship in the USA?

I did indeed, I had a few offers but decided it wasn’t worth the risk because at the time I was doing very little mileage and would have probably broke down. I was only 2 years into running as I was late enough taking up the sport.

6. What is your least favourite training session?

I wouldn’t say I have a least favourite as I love doing sessions. Probably not as keen on the easy runs as they can be quite monotonous.

7. And most favourite?

My favourite is probably a long hard tempo.

8. What win/ race has given you the most satisfaction in your athletics career?

I’d have to say the heats of the European Indoors in 2015 as I made my first ever Championship final.

9. Any advice for young aspiring athletes?

My advice is simple: if you are taking part in a few sports, enjoy it. Do not be rushed to quit one sport for another unless you’re sure it is the one you want to do. Never rush things as this will only work short term, long term is the much bigger picture. You want to run well in your late 20s not just compete well as a juvenile/junior.

10. What sport will you be participating in when you are 60 years old?

Providing I’m still mobile enough I will probably be playing golf. Wish I could play more now but running comes first.

11. Who is your favourite competitor in any sport, outside athletics?

I honestly don’t know – I don’t watch as much sport as I used to!

12. Your late Dad Stephen was a brilliant musician. Have you inherited any of his musical talent?

No – absolutely zero! And I don’t know where I got the sportiness from as he had no interest!

13. What is your favourite food?

Probably spaghetti with a lot of veg in it.

14. What is your all- time favourite film?

Happy Gilmore.

15. In a sentence , what would you say to Donald Trump?

Just get rid of the hair and be bald already, you look ridiculous!

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Thanks to Maurice Ahern for the questions and the picture!